Azam FC has announced plans to use the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) as a platform to scout and recruit foreign players in preparation for the 2025/2026 season.
The highly anticipated continental tournament, which will feature national teams composed of home-based players, is set to kick off on August 2, 2025, at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Azam’s Head of Information and Communication, Thabiti Zakaria, said the club has already concluded its local recruitment with four new signings and is now shifting focus to international talent.
“Our domestic signings are done we’ve introduced four new players. The next phase is to strengthen the squad with foreign players, and CHAN gives us a great opportunity to scout quality talent right here at home,” Zakaria explained.
He highlighted that Azam has a track record of identifying top performers in regional tournaments. One notable success story is Ivorian striker Kipre Tchetche, who was discovered during the CECAFA Championship and became a key player for the club.
Zakaria expressed confidence that the new squad will bring a fresh level of competitiveness as the club prepares to challenge for major titles in both domestic and continental competitions.
“We’re building a different kind of team one that will be highly competitive and ready to fight for trophies next season,” he added.
When asked about the possibility of releasing players to make room for new signings, Zakaria was noncommittal, saying, “I can’t confirm who might leave. There’s no guarantee at the moment. Our focus is to bring in the right players, not to let key talent go.”
With CHAN being hosted in Tanzania, Azam sees the tournament as a unique scouting ground to identify emerging talent from across the continent without the need for overseas travel.